The Community Press - July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 13

Take One

EDCOUCH • ELSA • LA VILLA • MONTE ALTO • RAYMONDVILLE

New hope for Raymondville

By Irma Ayala

RAYMONDVILLE- For years, the City of Raymondville has needed an economic boost. Downtown Raymondville has valiantly struggled to carry on, but has managed to convey little of its former glory. The solution seems to be in sight. Raymondville Economic Development Corporation wants to stimulate economic growth in the business community. The Revolving Loan Program which is funded by USD is offering low interest loans to help with the expansion of a current business or to start an entirely new business in Raymondville.

The amounts of the loans range from $10,000.00 to $150,000.00 which may be used for working capital, start-up costs, construction, repair and renovation, purchase of property and of equipment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provided $267,000 while the Raymondville Economic Development Corporation added $153,000 to create a revolving loan fund.

Catalina Ozuna, the EDC’s executive director, said the program will loan money to help residents start new businesses or expand existing businesses. The applicant has three lending opportunities to make his dream a reality.

According to Ozuna, the loan terms are very generous.

The applicant’s score must be 580 or better. The interest rate varies from three percent to ten percent depending on the applicant’s credit worthiness.

Ozuna commented on the EDC’s initiative, “It’s an economic boost for small businesses to create jobs,”

She said the program will offer 10-year loans, but that the qualifying business must serve the needs of the Raymondville community members by creating new jobs for the area or stimulating the economics of the town.

The Reyna Network is the consulting firm that has been contracted to manage these loans. Reyna Network will handle the credit application and determine eligibility. The network is also in charge of monitoring monthly payments upon approval of the loan. It also falls upon the shoulders of the Reyna Network to ensure that the loan

FREE

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 13

funds are in a constant revolving state.

The Reyna Network will be available for business loan interviews at the Raymondville Rural Technical Center every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, all day.

Hopefully the loan program will benefit the community by “stimulating job creation and business retention and growth” which is something the City of Raymondville has desperately needed. Small businesses were once crucial to the thriving past of Raymondville; hopefully, they soon will again.

A rising star among us

ELSA- Lonnie Gonzales of Los Badd Boyz Del Valle was recently honored on July 13, 2014 by receiving a Conjunto Award for song of the year for “No Pienso Despertar.” The song was written by Gonzales, and he says the song is very special to him. He says that the song is about “a guy who gets divorced, but he always believed that his wife would return to him one day. However the guy got old, and he realized that he had grey hair and that he was addicted to alcohol.” The man decides that he wants to drink himself to death and never wake up, hence, the name of the song.

Lonnie says of the group, “We are a traveling band; we work very hard to please the fans. It feels good to be recognized and realize that we are not working for nothing. We are being recognized for our hard work and dedication.”

Gonzales explains that audiences in the United States are very different from those in Monterrey, Mexico. He says, "The people there (in Monterrey), they love you, follow you and treat you like a king.” But he adds that they expect more than a simple

song with several refrains . An audience in Monterey demands more poetic language.

When they decide that they love a song, they really show it. Gonzales says, “When I am on stage in Monterrey, as soon as the band begins to play, the audience begins to sing “No Pienso Despertar” for me. I just stand there listening; it sounds so beautiful. Sometimes I even cry on stage. It’s that beautiful.”

Lonnie Gonzales and his Badd Boyz are a conjunto group which consists of four instruments: accordion, drums, base and bajo sexto. The entire group is from Edcouch-Elsa. The other group members are Carlos Gonzales, his brother; Manuel Rendon and Nick Posadas. They decided to go into the music business because of their mentors in the EE Estudiantina, Benny Layton and Epi Martinez. In 2004 at a Christmas party, Bobby Pulido heard them and was so impressed that he offered them a five year contract, and they recorded three CDs under his record label. That was the beginning of their illustrious career.

Gonzales says that the success in the music business depends on how well you

Espino Tires Celebrates 1 Year Anniversary

sell yourself to your public. The public has to like you and your music. When asked if he had any advice to young people today, he remarked, “Hopefully, one day I can do something and not just talk.

If you find you love doing something such as painting cars, mechanics, hunting, or boxing, do it professionally – to the best of your ability.” He goes on to admit that he himself “didn’t have any direction but the streets and gangs”; he didn’t even graduate to pursue his love of music. He does, however, urge young people to pursue an education as it is very important. He credits music with “saving him” and “gracias a

Walmart GRAND OPENING The Grand opening and ceremony will be August 6th, 2014 at 7:30am and ribbon cutting at 8:00am.

11722 La Blanca • Between Salinas (493) & Mile 6 Rd.

Ad and Copy deadline for next issue is August 8

For customer service please call

(956) 292-1590

Ask how you can advertise with us.

There will be events throughout the day that will create excitement to our customers such as demos, live music and giveaways to our customers. Edcouch-Elsa high school will be participating as well with Mariachi, band, cheerleaders and football players.

Editor Page 2 Health & Cooking 3 Education 4 Business 5 Community 6 Social 8

Dios, we are still committed, still chasing our dreams to reach the top.”

Gonzales’ only regret is the group’s reception in their hometown. They are not as well-known or as popular with the public in the valley as they are in other areas. He hopes that “Valleyites”, especially those in the Delta and Raymondville Area, will follow the group more enthusiastically in the future. Lubbock, Dallas, Amarillo and even Tucson, Arizona are very faithful and show up in the thousands at dance halls to listen to Badd Boyz. They have a very strong base in West Texas. Los Badd Boyz Del Valle has shared stage with Emilio Navarra, La Mafia, Intocable and other big Tejano groups. They are scheduled to leave for a three week tour on July 25 and will be performing in Dallas, Amarillo, and Michigan. When asked if their families travel with them, Gonzales responded, “We are a traveling band, simply committed to our music and fans. The band is our family.”

Los Badd Boyz del Valle was awarded 2011 Best New Artist at the Tejano Music Awards, and 2012 Conjunto of the Year by the S.T.C.A. South Texas Conjunto Association.

With dedication such as the group has displayed, their future success is almost guaranteed.

Weather Details Pg. 2

Editor’s Page

Page 2

In

today’s world, you may have a difficult time finding a newspaper that shines a spotlight on the good things in life, the accomplishments of our amazing youth, inspirational stories behind charities and nonprofit organizations, and the residents and local businesses that embrace the heart of our community. However, the Delta Area residents that include Edcouch, Elsa, La Villa and Monte Alto are fortunate to have just that. The Community Press promotes the progress and growth of the Delta Area.

Like all good ideas, The Community Press was born in response to a need in the community.

Inspired by the concept of giving back to the community and recognizing community involvement--the more people get involved with the community, the better they will be able to understand and serve it. It quickly became apparent that the Delta Area Community could benefit from a neighborhood news outlet for residents and businesses.

The Community Press is the reflection of who we are as residents in the Delta Area.

Commemorating the Youth of the Delta Area is also a large emphasis for the paper.

The Community Press covers three school districts—Edcouch-Elsa, Monte Alto and La Villa ISD. We believe that the accomplishments of students in the community, both in and outside the classroom should always make headlines.

In addition to spreading the good news, The Community Press is a strong advocate for local government and community businesses.

We provide businesses the opportunity to reach their most likely customer base and promote all city projects.

Our main goal is to bring the community together, sharing stories and, promoting generosity and good deeds, publishing the best community newspaper possible. We look forward to continuing to grow and evolve along with you, our extended family!

Weather: Edcouch, Elsa, Monte Alto, La Villa Thur 31

Sunny Hi: 102° F Lo: 79° F Precip 10%

Fri 1

Partly Cloudy Hi: 102° F Lo: 80° F Precip 10%

Sat 2

Scattered T-Storms

Hi: 96° F Lo: 78° F Precip 50%

Sun 3

Partly Cloudy Hi: 96° F Lo: 77° F Precip 20%

Mon 4

Isolated T-Storms

Hi: 95° F Lo: 77° F Precip 30%

Tue 5

Partly Cloudy Hi: 98° F Lo: 77° F Precip 20%

Wed 6

Partly Cloudy Hi: 99° F Lo: 78° F Precip 10%

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 13

Rina Diane Castillo CEO/Editor in Chief (956) 292-1590

Reanna Rodriguez Account Executive

Irma Ayala Writer

Sean Downey Design Editor

The Community Press promotes the progress and growth of the Delta Area that adds to the identity and pride of the community, record the history of this area and its people, and make differences in the quality of life for the residents and merchants. The Community Press is dedicated to encourage community service among citizens and employees, recognizing that the more they are involved with the comm...unity, the better they will be able to understand and serve it.

Distribution & Circulation • 5,000 copies distributed biweekly • Available FREE at numerous locations through the Delta Area

Advertising We have numerous ways of advertising for business and private parties. The Community Press has come up with three different ways our clients can reach the Delta Area community.

These are the following advertising opportunities we offer:

• Advertisement space (different sizes) within the newspaper layout • Inserts: reach our audience by giving us your flyer, brochure, booklet and more to put in side our biweekly issue • Social media

The Community Press PO Box 1811 • Elsa, TX • Year 2014 Telephone: (956) 292-1590 Email: tcommunitypress@gmail.com @tcommunitypress

/tcommunitypress

Come join in all the fun!

Elsa Public Library Summer Reading Program 201 Tuesday - Friday @ 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday Activities - Ages 3-5 years old Wednesday Activities- Ages 6-8 years old Thursday Activities- Ages 9+ If interested in making a donation please contact Amanda Garcia Program Coordinator (956) 262-3061

Health & Cooking

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 13

BACK TO THE BASICS of The Grace Heritage Ranch

By Irma Ayala

life

S

ANTA MONICA- Most of us get nostalgic for the simple kind of life we grew up in. Remember when, as children, we were sent to the neighborhood convenience store to buy a pack of cigarettes for our parents? Yikes! Still have a hard time believing that was permissible. However, we have to remember that back then, the store owner knew that the cigarettes really were for our dads or uncles or even our moms and not for ourselves. Our lives back then were instilled with a whole different set of morals and values. It is extremely difficult, if not next to impossible, to implant those same morals, ethics and values in our children in today’s world.

Brian Schalk and his wife, Mary, too wished for the less hectic and less demanding past. They wanted to instill in their six children “the wisdom and perseverance of past generations.” So, they downsized their home and upsized their land. The Schalks, a Christian homeschooling family, began a homesteading ranch life at Grace Heritage Ranch. The ranch is located in Willacy County, twenty miles southeast of Raymondville, close to Santa Monica.

The Schalks have been at GHR since August of 2010. For them GHR was a dream of a self-sustaining homestead for their family. Prior to Willacy County, the family lived in Bay View, but they were prompted to move wanting to have a source of healthy organic food, becoming more self-reliant and offering their children a more wholesome lifestyle. As family members, friends and visitors showed great interest in the ranch and its operation, the Schalks decided to open GHR to the public.

The whole concept of Grace Heritage Ranch is to introduce the visitor to homesteading ranch life. The Schalks offer unique educational tours of their 100-acre.

They take visitors along for a fun adventure as they set out to inspire guests with the wisdom of our forefathers. The tour offers an exciting time together as visitors

have the opportunity to interact with some very special animals. The ranch offers endangered heritage breeds of animals, heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables and hands on activities such as milking a goat!

Schalk says, “We have an ever-increasing passion for sharing the wonderful things we're learning, doing, growing, and enjoying out here, so come on out to experience it with us! See how we raise and naturally pasture our heritage breeds of animals. Learn how to organically grow heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables. Ask us how we work our land with simple hand tools.

You'll get a glimpse of life on a homesteading ranch and have the opportunity to learn some ‘new skills’ gleaned from the past.” The family hopes that visitors to the ranch will be inspired on how to get back to the simple basics in their own lives. They may able to plant a small garden to raise their own vegetables or even plant fruit trees.

The ranch has been operational since December 2013. They have had visitors from Mission, Padre Island and many Winter Texans. They are interested in reaching out to school groups for this next coming school year.

Brian Schalk urges, “Remember to bring your camera! You'll make some unforgettable memories as you begin to write a history of your own.” Although the homestead experience runs the “gambit” from excitement to frustration, Schalk says the family’s life has been so enriched and blessed by the move that they have no regrets.

For any other information on the ranch or to schedule tours, please call 230-6902.

Low Carb Beefed-Up Meatloaf Ingredients Tomato Topping: • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste • 1/4 cup sugar substitute (recommended: Splenda) • 2 teaspoons white vinegar or water • 2 pounds ground chuck

(may use meat loaf mix with ground pork) • 2 egg s • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan • 1/4 cup red onion, diced small • 1/4 cup roasted or fresh red bell peppers, diced • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1/4 pound prosciutto, or any type of ham, thinly sliced • 1/4 pound provolone cheese, sliced

Preparation Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, mix together the tomato topping ingredients. Set aside. You may add a few drops of water to thin to a ketchup consistency.

In a large bowl, mix together the beef, eggs, Parmesan, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings.

Working on a waxed paper lined sheet pan or counter, form meatloaf mix into a 10 by 8-inch flat rectangle on the waxed paper. Place a layer of prosciutto slices on top, followed by a layer of provolone slices. Roll up the stuffed meatloaf mix like a burrito and seal the edges all around by pinching the meat.

Place the roll, seam side down, into a 5 by 9-inch loaf pan. Spread a heavy coat of the tomato topping to completely cover the top of the meatloaf. Place in oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the temperature on a meat thermometer registers 165 degrees F. Drain fat and let rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.

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Forget the expensive wrinkle creams — turns out, smiling may be the only anti-aging prescription you need.

Look Happy,

live

longer

Could grinning be the key to success in your career and your marriage? Indeed, research has found that happy, smiling people may thrive better in the workplace and in relationships.

You can catch a cold and the chickenpox — but did you know that you can also catch someone’s smileyness?

Think about it: When someone beams at you on the street, you almost always smile back (even if subconsciously). In an issue of the journal Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, experts expl ain that our brains look for and respond to smiling faces — likely before we are even aware of our re-

sponse.

And researchers have a l s o found a similar effect for frowning Constant grinners have plenty to be happy about: They have lower stress-hormone levels, they measure off better when it comes to physical health (such as having healthier hearts), and they may even enjoy better psychological coping mechanisms, according to research published in the Journal of Personality.

And happiness researchers agree: Just as a smile can be an indicator of health and happiness, a good attitude can also improve a person’s life health overall.

Willacy County Health Fair

Page 4

Delta Area students in Washington, D.C.

Education

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 13

Raymondville students attend TSTC

By Irma Ayala

Edcouch-Elsa- A great honor has been bestowed upon an incoming sophomore at Edcouch-Elsa High School. Michael Castaneda will be attending a trip to Washington D.C sponsored by The Hispanic Caucus which is headed by Ruben Hinojosa.

The trip is an all paid expense trip to a leadership conference. This very worthy sponsorship is an example of the organization working to advance education for Latinos. Over four hundred student contestants from the valley had to submit a resume, a personal essay and teacher recommendations. Only four students were selected from the entire valley. Another student that was selected was Emily Felix from La Villa ISD. Mrs. Tijerina, Gear Up facilitator, says “this experience is a great opportunity for our students.” Michael will be leaving the week of July 27 with the other three students from the valley along with two facilitators from other school districts. The entire week the students will be interning, attending workshops with congressmen and other organizations present. The students will also receive leadership training in government.

Mrs. Tijerina says that to the best of her knowledge, she cannot recall when or

RHS students completed the MAARS program at TSTC today. The MAARS program assists our students to pursue higher education and the opportunity to participate in a 6 week college residential experience at TSTC. The program's elements include: • High school credit accumulation • Professional workplace and career exploration internships if another Edcouch-Elsa student has ever been chosen to attend. When asked to comment on the caliber of the students that she works with, Mrs. Tijerina responded, “Their potential for leadership skills is simple outstanding.” She has facilitated the Gear Up Program for the past ten years at Edcouch-Elsa High School.

Best of luck to Michael Castaneda, and may he represent us well.

• College readiness and leadership seminars • A tour of Texas colleges and universities • Follow-up seminars during the following academic year • Concluding graduation ceremony • Living allowance • On-campus college residential experience

Students complete summer program at TAMUK

School Supply GiveAway August 8, 2014 9:00 am – 12:00 noon Monte Alto Elementary Gym *Monte Alto Residents only: School supplies on first come first serve basis for families. *Students must attend Monte Alto ISD to qualify for items to be given to parents only.

Augst 24, 2014 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Community Press School supply GiveAway sgt Juan M. Rodriguez Pavilion in Edcouch Everyone is welcome free food, music and fun For more information call Rina Castillo 292-1590

August 15, 2014 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm Eddie *Smiley* Stark Park in Raymondville The 15th Annual Christmas in August C.A.S.A.

Sat Aug. 23 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Walmart in Elsa Guardian Ems School Supply Giveaway For more information Call Jason Peña at 375-8849

They are the 1st group of RHS students that completed the 1st Bridges to Success Summer Program at TAMUK. They were able to complete 1 to 2 college courses this summer at TAMUK. Raymondville ISD partnered with TA-

MUK this past spring and they have been great support to our students. For the fall of this coming school year, TAMUK will be able to offer our students 7 college courses as part of the Dual/Concurrent Enrollment Program

Golden Bee Learning Center: Field Trip

Business

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 13

C H&H propane & Automotive Service

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Page 5

Don't Forget To Save Rep. Guillen Encourages Families To Take Advantage Of Tax Holiday

369 S 16th St • Raymondville Texas, 78580 (956)- 689-2490

My Home Furniture Store

AUSTIN – Texas State Representative Ryan Guillen (D - Rural South Texas) reminds parents that the Sales Tax Holiday is set for the weekend of August 8-10, two weeks before the first day of school. Representative Guillen is hopeful that Texans will see greater rewards this year.

"When the first day of school rolls around, the only thing that should be on parents' minds is that their children get off to a great start," Guillen said. "We are hoping that this year even more parents will be aware and take advantage of the tax free weekend."

Last year, the Legislature moved the tax holiday a week earlier than it was in order to give parents more time to prepare for the coming school year. The sales tax holiday provides a way for parents to get all the materials necessary for the return to school, and keep money in their pocketbooks. With the holiday now set two weeks before the first school day, parents have ample time to purchase supplies without the rush of school starting the next week.

The types of merchandise eligible for the sales tax exemption vary widely, but are limited to items priced under $100.

Categories of qualifying goods include

backpacks, belts, clothing (infant to adult), employee uniforms, footwear, graduation caps and gowns, luggage, safety accessories, sportswear, swimming gear, wallets, watches, and much more.

A comprehensive list of qualifying merchandise can be found on the comptroller's website: http://www.window. state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/taxholiday/d/ tx98_490_clothing.html

17421 North FM 88 Mile 15 1/2 • Elsa Texas 78543 (956) 961-6896

Happy 1st Anniversary Espino's Tire and Auto Center

Espino’s Tire Shop and Auto Center has become part of the Delta Area newest business. Although the business might be new to the area, the name behind it has a long history of experience, reliability and excellence in customer service. Espino’s Tire Shop and Auto Center came about over 20 years ago, as the original founder Mr. Jesus Espino Sr. founded his first tire shop in Pharr TX. Mr. Espino felt there was a need for a reliable, economical tire shop where not only patrons would find reasonable prices, but the customer service received would keep them coming back.

Mr. Espino instilled this into his offspring, having his son’s as well as a daughter opening their own tire shops, and after his passing in 2012, the tradition continues.

There are several Espino’s shops around the Rio Grande Valley, and Espino’s Tire Shop and Auto Center located on 11722 E. Highway 107 is the newest location where you can get everything you need for your vehicle needs such as tires, wheels, rims, oil changes and where we specialize in suspension lifts and drops to all vehicles,

and not to forget we are an official state inspection station, as well as any other mechanical, electrical services you might face with your vehicle. Espino’s Tire Shop and Auto Center also offers Espino’s Auto Outlet, a buy here pay here car lot as well as Espino’s Used Auto Parts, the newest addition to the business, an in house salvage junk yard.

After being opened for a year now, Mr. Gilbert Espino, Owner says that business has been good. “The Delta Area has welcomed us with open arms, say’s Mr. Espino, customers are excited to have a local shop where all their needs can be taken care of all at once. We offer easy financing for their convenience, its easy as 1,2,3. I encourage everyone from the surrounding areas, Elsa, Weslaco, Edcouch, La Blanca to stop by the shop and experience what my grandfather instilled in us, the hospitality of a friendly staff, and the knowledge of our experienced mechanics.” Espino’s Tire Shop and Auto Center, where we treat you like family.

501 Hooks Ave.,

Donna, Tx 78537 (956) 464-3770

Page 6

New Angels

Community

Changing role of the library

By Irma Ayala

Raymondville-The Reber Memorial Library received a $5000 grant to help the library keep up with today’s constantly changing technology. The grant was awarded to the library by the Texas State Library Edge Initiative Implementation Reimbursement Program to enhance the available technology in the library. Micaela Wright, librarian for Reber Memorial, purchased computers and software to upgrade the operating systems with the grant money. Some of the new software includes Photoshop and Publisher software.

The new computers have been received by the library and are waiting to have the new software installed. Mrs. Wright commented, “The public is taking advantage of the computers all the time. The library is the tech hub for Willacy County since many of our community members do not have computers or internet at their disposal in their homes.”

in Heaven

Maria Del Socorro Vasquez La Blanca…Maria Del Socorro Vasquez, 83, entered eternal rest Wednesday, July 15, 2014 at Solara Hospital in McAllen, TX. Maria was born on April 14, 1931, to Melquiades and Edwarda Reyes Castro. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Florentino. She is survived by her husband Tiburcio Vasquez, sons Samuel (Antonia) Cisneros and Jose Luis (Esperanza) Castro, daughters Guadalupe (Pablo) Castillo, Lucia (Rodrigo) Mata, Santa (Rafael) Soto, Irene (Raul) Garza, brothers Seferino, Nieves and Pluefarco Castro and sister Marina Garza also surviving are 27 grandchildren and 70 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held at Chapel of the Heavens at Guerra Funerral Home.

Funeral Chapel services was held on July18, 2014 at Guerra Funeral Home-Elsa; The Chapel of Heaven. Interment followed to La Blanca Community Cemetery.

Arrangements were under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home 304 E. Edinburg Ave. Elsa, TX 78543 PH: 956-262-2971.

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 13

Mrs. Wright stresses that the role of the library in our lives has definitely been redefined by technology. The library owns fourteen computers in their lab which are always being used. People hardly go to the library to check out a book as their counterparts did fifteen or even ten years ago.

Computers in the library today are being used to fill out job applications, prepare for and take GED exams and a plethora of other reasons. The role of the library serving the community by providing books is a thing of the past. The role of the library is to “teach, educate and augment skills to compete” in today’s dynamic world. By trying to keep up with its members’ needs, the library is keeping up with the twenty-first century.

If you haven’t visited your local public library for years, you will be surprised by what you will find. Come by and visit your library and enter an entirely new world than the one you remember.

Raymondville museum gets new sidewalk The Raymondville museum sidewalk was in disrepair and thanks to the effort put forth between the WCHM, Raymondville ISD, the City of Raymondville, the County of Raymondville, and TxDOT we now have a new fabulous sidewalk for all to use. This is the latest in the renovation of our wonderful museum. The entire north wing of the museum was renovated a few years ago. Then, over a year ago, the auditorium was renovated making it the prettiest place to host an event in our town. Many people have hosted parties and events here. And more is to come. The renovation of our local museum is definitely a "grass roots " project. Thanks all who have helped us make Raymondville an even more wonderful place to live and helped preserve the history of our area.

The next project is the WCHM Pumpkin Patch. Last years pumpkin patch was so successful that Raymondville museum is expanding it to cover the entire yard!

Look for it the last week of October.

Eddie Guerra nominated for November election

On Saturday, July 26, The 49 precinct chairs in hidalgo county gathered at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance to vote on the party’s nominee for sheriff in November. Thirty four of the 49 precinct chairs voted for Eddie Guerra.

The other two candidates, Frank Guerrero received 12 votes, and San Juan Police Chief Juan Gonzalez received three. La Joya Police Chief Geovani Hernandez handed a letter to Godinez about 15 minutes before the meeting started to announce he was withdrawing his application for the candidacy, giving up the chance at the Democratic nomination to pursue a run as an independent. The county’s Republican Party will continue to accept applications for its nominee from people with certain qualifications until August 1.

DON'T MISS OUT ON ANOTHER ISSUE! Contact us now for advertising opportunities!

(956) 292-1590

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 13

Congressman RubĂŠn Hinojosa introduces border health security act WASHINGTON, D.C.-Congressman RubĂŠn Hinojosa, on Monday July 28, 2014, introduced the Border Health Security Act of 2014 (H.R. 5221) to establish grant programs to improve the health of border area residents and for all hazards preparedness in the border area including bioterrorism, infectious disease, and non-communicable emerging threats.

"People who live near the border face unique health and economic challenges unlike anywhere else in the country," U.S. Rep. Hinojosa.

"Things such as cross-border traffic, distances from major cities and inadequate roads, water and sewer systems, as well as socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental challenges. All of these factors contribute to a great disparity in access to health care. This is why it is important that Congress pass this bill."

The bill provides over 30 million dollars in grants to states, universities, local governments and hospitals for initiatives that would improve and protect the health of border area residents and visitors by providing border states with the resources needed to prevent, detect and respond to cross-border infectious diseases, epidemics, and even bioterrorism. The bill would authorize $7 million/year in appropriations for border grants and operations.

Congressman Hinojosa added, "These grants would be available to states, universities, local governments and hospitals for initiatives that would improve and protect the health of border area residents and visitors by providing border states with the resources needed to prevent, detect and respond to cross-border infectious diseases,

k

Community

epidemics, and even bioterrorism."

This Border Health Security Act recognizes the Unites States-Mexico Border Health Commission (Commission) and the Canada-United States Pan-Border Public Health Preparedness Council (Council) as the public health entities on the southern and northern borders to recommend and implement initiatives that solve border health issues.

The grants may address such issues in the border areas as: infectious disease testing, monitoring, and surveillance; public health and public health infrastructure; health conditions with a high prevalence; medical and health services research; health care infrastructure; health disparities; environmental health; epidemiology and health research; and workforce training and development.

Grants may also be used for Early Warning Infectious Disease Surveillance projects in coordination with State and local all hazards programs, to: develop and implement infectious disease surveillance plans, public health emergency, readiness assessments and preparedness plans and alert networks; improve infrastructure and laboratories, including surge capacity, syndromic surveillance, and isolation/decontamination capacity; workforce training; and health IT. Original co-sponsors include Representatives Filemon Vela (D-TX-34), Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX-30), Raul Grijalva (DAZ-3) and Michael Michaud (D-ME-2) H.R. 5221 has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign

Movie Night at Benny Layton Sr. Memorial Stadium

In a previous issue of The Community Press the name of the stadium was incorrect. The Community Press strives for accuracy in reporting and we apologize for any inconvenience.

Page 7

For Sale:

Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Yellow Home

2 bedrooms, kitchen & Living Room together.

1 Bathroom with walk in closet. $650 includes water & rent.

Peach Brick Home

Big Kitchen & living room Dining Room, Double garage, 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms, 1 Shower.

Big Laundry Mat (Room) $880 including water bill.

Fm 88 Mile 16 west from Walmart 1st house to the right. David Martinez (956)-929-5702

Tire Charger Balancer Compressor 100 tires Ramiro Gomez: cell (956)-279-5166, home (956)-262-5166 Monte Alto

Fm 88 Mile 16 west from Walmart 1st house to the right. David Martinez (956)-929-5702

Page 8

Community Press

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 13

The Perfect Place- 9th year anniversary

Boot Co. Bar & Grill cooking team Grand Champion winners

The End of the Trail

1st place fajitas, 1st place beans, 4th place chef's choice, 6th place ribs, 1st place brisket. Cruz & Sonya Tijerina.

EDCOUCH-ELSA I.S.D. FOOTBALL TICKET SALE INFORMATION 2014-2015 Season tickets for varsity football home games will be reclaimed as follows:

• July 28th – August 8th - Current season ticket holders reclaim season tickets.

• August 8th – Season ticket holders who have reclaimed their tickets have this day to exchange the tickets they hold for any others available.

• August 11th-15th – Remaining reserved tickets will go on sale to the general public. This time is restricted only for those wanting to purchase tickets for the first time.

Ticket sales for non-season ticket holders for HOME games will be sold Monday thru Thursday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Edcouch-Elsa High School.

Tickets for AWAY games may be purchased by season ticket holders the week of the game on Tuesday. All other ticket sales will be conducted for the general public on Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets will not be sold on Friday and may be purchased at the gate.

Student tickets are available at each school campus in the district Tuesday thru Thursday. Please contact the secretary at your school for further information.

Ticket prices for District 32 5A games will be as follows: • $7.00 Reserved • $6.00 General • $3.00 Student

*Playoff ticket prices for games will vary.

Make checks payable to Edcouch-Elsa I.S.D. Athletic Department.

Playoffs

Season ticket holders will be able to purchase twice (2) as many tickets as they have during the year–(Example 15 season reserved tickets x 2=30 tickets for playoffs.

If you have any questions please call Rosie Schmalzried at (956)262-4101.